Joan and I had to decide whether to join the group hiking to West Peyto Peak, or one taking a less strenuous hike. The guides Sandra and David were weeding out those who overestimate their capabilities, a common guide practice, by pointing out the 12 kilometer (7½ mile) West Peyto hike had elevation gain of 2900+ feet, to an altitude of 9,600 feet, and that the route would be "all rocks" most of the way. On the other hand, the pace would be moderate, with breaks. Chantal, who, with her husband Wood, were staying at the lodge for a week, had attempted West Peyto with another group a couple of days before. The climb started wet and ended a few hundred meters short of the peak in blinding, horizontal snow. Today was different, as this picture shows. Chantal was going.
Joan and I felt we ought to give it a try, and joined the West Peyto hikers. Our group headed overland, staying out of the creek valley, and headed across a rocky slope,
then along a glacial moraine, until we reached Boulder Meadows.
There are no bushes here to hide behind during a pit stop, but there are boulders.
Plenty of them.
Although we weren't headed in that direction, I took a picture of this rock face with exposed strata like phyllo dough.
David turned our group up towards the pass to the east, still far away.
Shortly thereafter we came across a seasonal pond, now mostly dry.
The route was a steady climb, and soon the meadow/pond receded below us. I believe this was a water-refill stop.
Life grows even on the big blocks.
We climbed steadily higher, with a break for "first lunch" or at least a cookie break.
One of those far peaks still had snow atop it, as well as a glacier.
In this picture, we've finally reached the pass and have started climbing the last 600 feet. The nearer rise is Nicor Ridge, and the mountain in back is Mistaya Mountain, 10,100'. It's further away than it looks! Our goal, West Peyto Peak, is behind me as I took the photo.
West Peyto peak has a rounded top, not a sharp point. Very friendly for hikers.
Our instructions, as David assisted the last hikers, were to proceed to the cairn, which Chantal decided was a good viewpoint.
We sat on the east side of the peak and slightly below the top to shelter from a vigorous and chilling wind. The panorama was stunning.
That's Cauldron Lake in the center. Over the shoulder beyond Cauldron gleams the tip of well-known Peyto Lake, which we had visited a few days before. A closer view, click to enlarge:
Joan and I posed for a we-were-here photo.
After second lunch David took us to a western extension of the peak before descending. This positioned us for a dramatic panorama to the west.
Down in that green patch left of center, clearly visible with binoculars or camera zoom, Mistaya Lodge glinted in the sun.
It was time to return. After working through rocks for hours, the flat "seasonal pond" never looked better.
On the way back, I repeated the picture of the folded rock strata, this time with the sun clearly highlighting the folds.
The lodge was a welcome sight for the footsore.
Joan and I were tired but exhilarated. West Peyto Peak had been well worth the effort.
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